M6.1 earthquake hits Pagan region, Northern Mariana Islands
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit the Pagan region, Northern Mariana Islands at 15:48 UTC on January 20, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 195 km (121 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
The epicenter was located 364 km (226 miles) N of Saipan, Northern Mariana Island, and 554 km (344 miles) N of Yigo Village, Guam.
There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.
The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are a mix of vulnerable and earthquake-resistant construction. The predominant vulnerable building types are informal (metal, timber, GI etc.) and unknown/miscellaneous types of construction.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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